The feature-length Caprica pilot will be released on DVD light years before it’s on television, Universal Studios Home Entertainment announced late last week. Featuring the uncut and unrated version of the first episode, the DVD will be released on April 21 for the retail price of $26.98.

“We wanted to give [fans] a chance to see the pilot in its original form and experience the prequel to the BSG story while that series’ finale was still ringing in their ears,” said Sci-Fi’s vice president of original programming Mark Stern. “It also affords the creative team an unprecedented chance to get viewers feedback before production on the Caprica series begins this summer.”

This is probably a good move for the network as they’ll be able to sell more DVDs before the show goes on air than they would after the television premiere. They will also capitalize on the buzz surrounding the “BG” finale — let’s just hope the that pilot isn’t a disappointment.